The dynamic Indian duo of Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma have etched their names in the record books with their remarkable partnership in the first T20I against England on June 28, 2025. Their stellar opening stand at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, saw them break the world record for the most fifty-plus partnerships in Women's T20Is.

Mandhana and Verma achieved their 21st fifty-plus stand, surpassing the previous record of 20 held by Australian powerhouses Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney. The pair contributed a substantial 77 runs for the first wicket after England opted to bat first. In their 78 innings together, Mandhana and Verma have amassed 2713 runs at an average of 36.17, including three centuries and 15 fifties.

Smriti Mandhana, standing in as captain for the injured Harmanpreet Kaur, played an exceptional innings, scoring a brilliant 112 off 62 balls. Her knock included 14 fours and 3 sixes. This was her maiden T20I century and made her the first Indian woman to score centuries in all three formats of international cricket. With this feat, Mandhana has joined the ranks of those with centuries in all formats.

Mandhana's aggressive batting display was evident as she took the attack to the English bowlers. She reached her half-century off just 27 balls, cutting Alice Capsey for a boundary. She welcomed Sophie Ecclestone into the attack with a massive six, ultimately taking 19 runs off Ecclestone's over, the most the bowler has conceded in a single over.

While Mandhana took charge, Shafali Verma played a supporting role, scoring 20 off 22 balls. Verma was eventually dismissed, caught at mid-off by Ecclestone. The Indian innings also saw a valuable contribution from Harleen Deol, who scored 43 off 23 balls.

Riding on Mandhana's brilliance and Verma's solid start, India posted a formidable 210/5, their second-highest T20I total. The score proved too much for England, who were bowled out for 113 in 14.5 overs. Debutant Shree Charani was impressive with the ball, claiming 4/12, the second-best spell by an Indian woman on T20I debut. England's Nat Sciver-Brunt fought hard with 66 off 42 balls, but her effort was in vain as England suffered a 97-run defeat, their biggest in the format.

The English spinners struggled to contain the Indian batting lineup, with only one wicket taken between them in eight overs for 105 runs. Sophie Ecclestone's return to the team proved expensive.

Smriti Mandhana also equaled Beth Mooney's record for the most 50+ scores against England in T20Is, with both having eight such scores. Harmanpreet Kaur was the first Indian to score a century in women's T20Is, achieving the feat against New Zealand in 2018. Mandhana now holds the record for the highest individual score for India in women's T20Is with her 112 runs.